Victorian gold cat’s-eye chrysoberyl spider stickpin
A scary good Victorian gold stickpin beautifully realised as a creeping spider, with cat’s-eye chrysoberyl abdomen, pinky ruby and diamond point cephalothorax and ‘hairy’ textured legs.
The spider is a weaver, teaching humanity textile and net making, persistence and patience. She is a creator, bestowing humanity with the first alphabet in south-western American culture. Associated with words and communication she bestows the power to work magic over people and things, the weaving binds prey to her control.
Arachne dared to challenge Athena to a weaving contest, and although likely winning the contest was turned into a spider by Athena doomed to continue weaving her web. She also has more malevolent incarnations as the African trickster Kwaku Ananse of the Ashanti and the Japanese Jorōgumo who it is said attempts to seduce passing samurai. Be kind to the woman wearing a spider, especially if it feels like she may have too many arms…
Cat’s-eye chrysoberyl has been used by the Sri Lankan people (formerly Ceylonese) as a charm against evil spirits.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Spider electronically tests as approximately 18ct gold.
Pin electronically tests as approximately 9ct gold.
Date:
Late Victorian, circa 1880.
Length:
Length of stickpin head 2.7cms.
Length of pin 5.8cms.
Condition:
Chrysoberyl shows moderate scuffs/abrasion and some natural indents.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.
Victorian gold cat’s-eye chrysoberyl spider stickpin
A scary good Victorian gold stickpin beautifully realised as a creeping spider, with cat’s-eye chrysoberyl abdomen, pinky ruby and diamond point cephalothorax and ‘hairy’ textured legs.
The spider is a weaver, teaching humanity textile and net making, persistence and patience. She is a creator, bestowing humanity with the first alphabet in south-western American culture. Associated with words and communication she bestows the power to work magic over people and things, the weaving binds prey to her control.
Arachne dared to challenge Athena to a weaving contest, and although likely winning the contest was turned into a spider by Athena doomed to continue weaving her web. She also has more malevolent incarnations as the African trickster Kwaku Ananse of the Ashanti and the Japanese Jorōgumo who it is said attempts to seduce passing samurai. Be kind to the woman wearing a spider, especially if it feels like she may have too many arms…
Cat’s-eye chrysoberyl has been used by the Sri Lankan people (formerly Ceylonese) as a charm against evil spirits.
Marks:
Apparently unmarked with regard metal or maker.
Spider electronically tests as approximately 18ct gold.
Pin electronically tests as approximately 9ct gold.
Date:
Late Victorian, circa 1880.
Length:
Length of stickpin head 2.7cms.
Length of pin 5.8cms.
Condition:
Chrysoberyl shows moderate scuffs/abrasion and some natural indents.
By clicking to ‘Purchase’ you agree to having read the Important Information for Purchasers.
Our primary concern is that you are pleased with your purchase. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like about a product before clicking purchase. We appreciate patina and the ‘age’ that older pieces acquire, because of this we do not polish pieces to strip away the age (though your local jeweller may be willing to do this for you for a small fee). Secondhand, vintage and antique pieces will naturally show scratches and small marks, these will often appear more noticeable in the enlarged images that we have made available for you. Our images are as realistic as they can be. Although any appreciable defects/damages will be mentioned please do inspect the images as they do form a part of the condition report.
Antique items may longer not be suitable for everyday wear or may benefit from thoughtful consideration when worn with care.